The British Standards Institution (BSI) has announced that Wilson James is the first company in the UK to be certified to ISO 28000 for supply chain security management.

The global transportation of goods is becoming a tougher exercise. Organisations operating in high risk countries face daily threats to their supply chains from theft, acts of terrorism, smuggling and product safety.

Globally, over $23 billion worth of cargo is stolen each year while the annual number of cargo thefts has risen by an estimated 24%, exceeding ten-fold the overall increase in merchandise exports. According to the BSI’s most recent global intelligence report, it’s European countries such as Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands that have witnessed the greatest number of thefts.

In response, the BSI has launched an independent assessment scheme specifically designed to assist companies of all sizes to achieve and demonstrate competence in their supply chain security.

ISO 28000, the international standard for supply chain security management, has been developed to help organisations better assess security risks in their supply chain, manage new threats as they emerge and implement the appropriate controls.

The BSI has launched a new scheme to mitigate risks in supply chain security

A supply chain security management system ensures traditional supply chain management practices are followed and matched with vital security measures such as validating supplier credentials, screening cargo and securing cargo transit. Addressing security threats aids the global fight against cargo theft and reassures stakeholders of an organisation’s commitment to the safety of its people and the security of goods and services.

London Gateway site contract

Wilson James – a leading provider of security, logistics and business support services in the UK – has now become the first company to be independently assessed by the BSI and achieve certification to ISO 28000.

In 2013, the company won the contract to secure the new London Gateway site of global port operator DP World. A key aspect of the selection of a security provider was that the appointed contractor would achieve ISO 28000 certification by the end of 2014.

For Wilson James, the most obvious benefit of certification to ISO 28000 is being able to ensure that the client’s project requirements are met and that the benefits of the standard will be realised across DP World. There are additional benefits to be realised as well.

“As the first known UK security company to achieve ISO 28000, we can deliver high levels of security management to our customers, differentiating us from others and giving us a clear competitive edge,” commented Angela Goldberg, quality manager at Wilson James. “At the same time we can help our customers recognise the value we’re able to deliver to their business.”

Goldberg continued: “Another important benefit is the reassurance ISO 28000 provides to existing and potential customers. Early indications show it may also save the company money as a result of the introduction of Best Practice procedures that will, in turn, lead to improvements in both performance and efficiencies.”

Lorna Anderson, supply chain security scheme manager at BSI, added: “International cargo is the lifeblood of our global society. It’s essential for countries and companies to reach new markets and achieve growth. Any compromise of supply chains imposes both direct and indirect impacts. Direct impacts include the cost of managing security incidents and increased insurance premiums, while indirect impacts would be reputational damage and loss of trust resulting in a drain on global productivity.”

In conclusion, Anderson explained: “By addressing and reducing the impact cargo disruption has on their business and their clients, organisations stand to benefit financially at the same time as they assist international trade.”

(1) Lead from the top by securing commitment from senior management
(2) Involve the whole business through effective internal communication
(3) Review existing processes with relevant ISO 28000 requirements
(4) Bring your customers and suppliers on board by soliciting feedback around security practices
(5) Establish an implementation team to get the best results
(6) Map out and share roles, responsibilities and timescales
(7) Adapt the requirements of the ISO 28000 standard to your business
(8) Motivate staff with training and incentives
(9) Encourage staff to train as internal auditors
(10) Regularly review procedures to ensure continual improvement